Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect the proposed rules from the Texas Department of Insurance.
You may have heard the term navigators lately – they’re the volunteers who can help people sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
They go through an online federal training to learn how to help people navigate the federally-run marketplace, though they can't tell anyone which plan to buy. Earlier this year, a number of agencies in Texas received almost $11 million collectively to pay for their training.
Now the Texas Department of Insurance has written proposed state rules that would add 40 hours of training and require a background check for navigators.
That’s among other regulations, which officials say would protect the privacy of consumers’ information. Click here for the full set of rules.
On Dec. 20 at 9 a.m., anyone can comment on these proposed rules, which were published in the Texas Register on Dec. 6, at a public hearing. It’ll take place at the Hobby Building at 333 Guadalupe St.
To submit comments via email by 5 p.m. Jan. 6, 2014, send them to:
chiefclerk@tdi.texas.gov or
NavigatorRegistration@tdi.texas.gov
If you prefer to send them by regular mail, they must arrive by 5 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2014 to:
Sara Waitt
General Counsel
Mail Code 113-2A
Texas Department of Insurance
PO Box 149104
Austin, TX 78714-9104
Jamie Walker
Associate Commissioner
Licensing Services Section
Mail Code 305-2A
Texas Department of Insurance
PO Box 149104
Austin, TX 78714-9104
A second public hearing will take place on Jan. 6 at 9 a.m., also at the Hobby Building.
